Additional Info

Nearby Theaters

Opened in 1927, the Great Lakes could seat over 1795, and was host to both live stage shows and movies in its first few years of operation, though it was operated as a movie house for the majority of its existence. It was designed by George Mason, who was responsible for the Gem and Oriole Theatres in Detroit as well.

After it closed as a movie house in the late 60s, it became home to the Vest Pocket theater company from 1969 to 1972. Afterwards, it was used for a number of years as a church.

The theater then stood for a long time vacant, vandalized and falling apart, making quite an eye-catching ruin along Grand River Avenue, especially its rusty, semi-intact blade marquee. It spelled out the words "EAT LAKES".